User operable neck isometric and isokinetic exercise device and method

ABSTRACT

A compact and easy-to-use isometric and isokinetic exercise apparatus that is particularly applicable to exercising the neck to improve strength and flexibility and to help alleviate neck pain. Different embodiments provide different arrangements that allow the user to control the level of exercise resistance to meet the tolerance or desires of the user. In all embodiments, the apparatus allows for controlled and graded resistance to the neck that allows the user to regulate the amount of resistance in an incremental manner. One embodiment of a neck exercising apparatus according to the present invention comprises an attachment mechanism for attaching to a user&#39;s head. Actuating mechanisms can also be included that allow the user to provide a movement force to the apparatus, wherein the movement force is transferred to said attachment mechanism. The apparatus is arranged such that movement from the actuating mechanisms in one direction causes movement of the attachment mechanism in a different direction.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 61/177,509 to Kroes et al., filed on May 12, 2009.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to exercise devices and in particular aself-contained user operable isometric and isokinetic neck exercisedevice and methods of exercising.

2. Description of the Related Art

There is an ongoing problem with individuals suffering from neck pain,stiffness or weakness that can be treated using different methods, someof which provide limited effectiveness and often offer no long termrelief. One way to treat neck pain is by applying topical lotions,creams or gels to the neck area that can contain pain relievingcompounds or heat generating compounds to heat the muscles in the neckarea. In other methods, pain relieving or muscle relaxing compounds canbe taken orally, such as by consuming pills or solutions. These topicaland oral products, however, often are only effective for a limitedamount of time and can have certain side effects. These treatments arealso met with a certain level of apprehension from the public, as manypeople avoid taking or using any type of medication, whether topical ororal.

Another way to treat neck pain is to exercise, strengthen, or stretchthe paraspinal muscles, ligaments, and vertebrae of the neck. One methodis by the use of traction devices that can be arranged to pull on thehead to lengthen the spine and relieve pressure on the different spinalvertebrae. Another way is by engaging in isometric and isokineticexercises that stretch and strengthen the paraspinal muscles of theneck, as well as increase the neck's range of motion. “Isokineticexercise” refers to exercise performed with a specialized apparatus thatprovides variable resistance to a movement, so that no matter how mucheffort is exerted, the movement takes place at a constant speed. Suchexercise is used to test and improve muscular strength and endurance,often after injury. “Isometric exercise” refers to a form of exerciseinvolving the static contraction of a muscle without any visiblemovement in the angle of the joint. This is reflected in the name; theterm “isometric” combines the prefix “iso” (same) with “metric”(distance), meaning that in these exercises the length of the muscledoes not change. When properly utilized, traction devices and isometricand isokinetic exercises can effectively reduce neck stiffness and pain.However, one problem with most traditional neck exercise devices—whetheraimed at isometric or isokinetic exercise—is that they can be bulky,complicated and difficult to use. In addition, they can involve bulkyweights, chains, pulleys, springs, or heavy elastic bands, or can oftenrequire attachment to a wall. These machines and devices are oftenrelegated to use in a gym, chiropractic office, or physical therapyfacility. Furthermore, because many of these require connection to awall, they cannot be easily moved or transported and usually requiresubstantial space to operate.

Neck pain and stiffness can also be treated through chiropracticmanipulation or through massage. In extreme cases neck pain is treatedwith neck surgery to repair damaged or deteriorated portions of thespine or paraspinal muscles and ligaments or to relieve areas of painand pressure.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,336,139 to Miller, entitled “Isotonic Cervical ExerciseDevice” discloses an apparatus for exercising the muscles surroundingthe neck area. It comprises a belt adapted to be secured about the waistof a person, and includes frontal and posterior portions. A pair ofsuspenders connects at their frontal ends to opposing frontal portionsof the belt. They also extend to the shoulders of the person, andconnect at their posterior ends to opposing portions of the belt. A chincup is included and is adapted to fit around the person's chin, and ahead band is included that is adapted to fit around the person's head,including frontal and posterior portions. A first elastic strap providesa tensile load between the chin cup and the frontal portion of the beltand a plurality of elastic straps provide tensile loads between thefrontal portion of the head band, across the person's head, and theposterior portion of the belt or suspenders.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a compact, self-contained, comfortable,portable, and easy-to-use isometric and isokinetic exercise apparatusthat is particularly applicable to exercising the neck to improvestrength and flexibility and to help alleviate neck pain. Differentembodiments provide different arrangements that allow the user tocontrol the level of exercise resistance to meet the tolerance ordesires of the user. In all embodiments, the apparatus allows forcontrolled and graded resistance to the neck that allows the user toregulate the amount of resistance in an incremental manner.

One embodiment of an isometric and isokinetic neck exercising apparatusaccording to the present invention comprises an attachment mechanism forattaching to a user's head. Actuating mechanisms can also be includedthat allow the user to provide a movement force to the apparatus,wherein the movement force is transferred to said attachment mechanism.The apparatus is arranged such that movement from the actuatingmechanisms in one direction causes movement of the attachment mechanismin a different direction.

One embodiment of a portable isometric and isokinetic neck exercisingapparatus according to the present invention comprises a means formounting to the upper body of a user. An attachment mechanism isincluded that is attached to the means for mounting with the attachmentmechanism capable of being mounted to the user's head. Handles areincluded that are attached to the means for mounting, with the handlesarranged for grasping by the user. The apparatus is also arranged suchthat movement of the handles causes a movement force to the attachmentmechanism, wherein the attachment mechanism is moveable against theforce of the handles to provide the isometric and isokinetic neckexercise.

One method for providing isometric and isokinetic neck exerciseaccording to the present invention comprises providing a movement forcefrom a user's hands in a first direction. The method also includestransferring the hand movement force to the user's head in a seconddirection that is different from the first direction. The seconddirection force provides the isometric and isokinetic neck exerciseforce to the user's head.

These and other aspects and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description and the accompanyingdrawings which illustrate by way of example the features of theinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front left perspective view of one embodiment of anisometric and isokinetic exercise apparatus according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a back view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a back view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 during operationof the device;

FIG. 4 is a back left perspective view of one embodiment of an isometricand isokinetic exercise apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a front view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a left side perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a back left perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a back elevation view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a head band that canbe used in the apparatus shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 10 is a front view of another embodiment of an exercise apparatusaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a back elevation view of another embodiment of an isometricand isokinetic exercise apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a front right perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG.11;

FIG. 13 is a top view of another embodiment of a isometric exerciseapparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a front elevation view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a left side elevation view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a back elevation view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 17 includes views of grip and extensions that can be used in theapparatus shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 18 is a front view of still another embodiment of an isometric andisokinetic exercise apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a back elevation view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a left side elevation view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an exercise attachment according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 22 is perspective view of the attachment shown in FIG. 21 used withan apparatus according to the present invention; and

FIG. 23 is perspective view of another embodiment according to thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is designed with the recognition that isometricand isokinetic exercises are an acknowledged therapeutic technique inthe treatment of musculoskeleletal conditions. The present invention isparticularly adapted to devices and methods for providing isometric andisokinetic exercises for treatment of pain, stiffness or weakness of theparaspinal area of the neck. Isometric and isokinetic exercise devicesaccording to the present invention are also designed to be comfortable,easy-to-use, versatile and portable. The present invention can be usedvirtually anywhere and can be comfortably used without the need orhindrance of external weights, chains, pulleys, springs, plastic bands,or attachments to walls. The device is designed to be used in a doctor'soffice, chiropractic office, physical therapy center, hospital, gym,and/or the comfort of one's own home.

Isometric and isokinetic exercise devices according to the presentinvention can be arranged in many different ways, and in more than oneembodiment the device rests primarily on the shoulders and back of theuser by a partial vest that passes over the shoulders and extendspartially down the front and back of the user, similar to a backpack. Awaist band is attached to the partial vest and secures around the user'swaist to secure the partial vest in place. A head band is arranged to besecured on the user's head and attached to each side of the head band isa resistance strap/band, each of which runs down the back of the partialvest, preferably out of view. The resistance straps are attached to handgrips that extend from the back of the vest, near the intersection ofthe vest and waist band, toward the front of the user in such a way thatpermits the user to comfortably grasp each of the hand grips, one in theright hand and one in the left hand. Movement by either of the hands istransferred through the hand grips to the resistance straps and the headband, causing a movement force to be applied to the head band.

Isometric and isokinetic exercises according to the present inventioncan be used in many ways to perform many different exercises. In morethan one embodiment, the user can sit in a neutral, upright position,with one of the hand grips in each hand. By moving each hand forward, amovement force is created on (i.e., transferred to) the head, which theuser can statically maintain for a certain amount of time, such as 10seconds. This creates an isometric force against the cervical andparaspinal muscles. Alternatively, in more than one embodiment, the usercan isokinetically exercise the neck by incrementally moving each handforward, thereby gradually providing variable resistance to the neck ina controlled, graded fashion, and flexing their head forward, obliquely,to the left, to the right, and through rotation. The user can alsomeasure the amount of resistance, either through the use of a resistancemeasuring device or strain gauge, or by choosing resistance bands ofdifferent elasticity and strength grades (e.g., light, medium, heavy).

In addition, the user can stretch the cervical and paraspinal neckmuscles by moving the hand grips back, thereby releasing the forwardpressure on the hand grips, and releasing all force on the head band.The user can then stretch the neck forward without resistance. Each ofthe above sequences can then be repeated through a wide range ofmotions, including but not limited to forward flexion, rotation, leftlateral flexion, and right lateral flexion. With each exercise the usercan attempt to strengthen and stretch the neck muscles further than thelast exercise session, and for each session the sequence can be repeatedthree to four times. Further, the user can exercise the shoulder andupper back muscles by attaching two supplemental hand grips withattached resistance bands to the left and right sides of the waist bandand performing various shoulder and upper back exercises.

The present invention is described herein with reference to certainembodiments, but it is understood that the invention can be embodied inmany different forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein. In particular, _(t)he different isometricexercise devices can be arranged in different ways, can have differentfeatures, can be adjustable in many different points, and can beconfigured to exercise other parts of the body beyond the neck. Thedifferent embodiments of methods according to the present invention canbe performed in many different ways, with different numbers of stepsperformed in different orders. It is also understood, that the differentembodiments and components are described with reference to certainmaterials, but that different materials can be used for the differentcomponents and that the different components can have different shapesand sizes.

It is understood that when an element or component is referred to asbeing “on” another element, it can be directly on the other element orintervening elements may also be present. Furthermore, relative termssuch as “inner”, “outer”, “upper”, “above”, “lower”, “beneath”, and“below”, and similar terms, may be used herein to describe arelationship of different features or components. It is understood thatthese terms are intended to encompass different orientations of thedevice in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.

Although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describevarious elements or components, these elements or components should notbe limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish oneelement or component from another element or component. Thus, a firstelement or component could be termed a second element or componentwithout departing from the teachings of the present invention.

Embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to viewillustrations that may be schematic in nature. As such, variations fromthe shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, ofmanufacturing techniques and/or tolerances are expected. Embodiments ofthe invention should not be construed as limited to the particularshapes of the elements or components but are to include deviations inshapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. Thus, the elementsor components illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature andtheir shapes are not intended to illustrate the precise shape of aregion of a device and are not intended to limit the scope of theinvention.

FIGS. 1 through 3 of one embodiment of an isometric and isokineticexercise apparatus 10 according to the present invention that comprisesa partial vest 12 that is shaped to fit over the user's shoulders andhaving a front portion 14 that extends from the shoulders down the frontof the user, and a back portion 16 that extends from the shoulders downthe back of the user. The partial vest also includes a lap belt portion18 that is attached to the back portion 16 and extends from the backportion 16 around the user's waist. The lap portion 18 is arranged tofit around the user's waist to help hold the apparatus to the user'sbody. The lap belt portion 18 is preferably made of a flexible materialthat can fit different waist shapes and sizes and preferably comprises aclosing mechanism 20 that allows the lap belt portion to be closedaround different waist sizes. It is understood that many differentclosing mechanisms can be used such as hooks, snaps, buttons, straps,ties, etc. In the embodiment shown, the closing mechanism a loop 22 onone side of the lap portion 18 and an extension 24 that feeds into loopand folded back on itself. Mechanisms for holding the extension to thedesired folded position can included different mechanisms such as snapsand hooks, with one suitable embodiment comprising a hook and looparrangement commercially known as Velcro®.

It is understood that other embodiments according to the presentinvention can be provided with other ways and arrangement for mountingto the user beyond a partial vest. This can include any combination ofstraps, closing mechanisms and flexible material that can be arranged toprovide the necessary support.

The apparatus 10 further comprises first and second side straps 25, 26,each of which extends from the partial vest's front portion 14 to arespective one of the lap belt portion 18. A cross strap 28 can beincluded across the opening in the front portion 14. It is understoodthat in different embodiments more or fewer straps can be used, with allor some of the straps being adjustable or having clips or snaps thatallow them to separate. In the embodiment shown, the first and secondside straps 25, 26 have clips to allow separation and are alsoadjustable to be shorter or longer. The cross strap is also adjustable,and many different adjustment mechanisms can be used, with theembodiment shown using a conventional loop back arrangement. By havingadjustable straps 25, 26, 28 and lap portion 18, the apparatus 10 can besized to fit most users and by having the side straps separable, theapparatus can more easily be mounted on a user, with the straps thenclosed and adjusted following mounting.

The apparatus 10 also comprises first and second risers 30, 32, each ofwhich is mounted to the vest 12 on a respective one of the vestshoulders on either side of where the user's head would be located whenthe apparatus is properly mounted to the user. A first flexible upperloop 34 extends from the first riser 30, down the back of the partialvest 12, and then back up to the second riser 32. The risers 30, 32 canbe at least partially hollow, with one end of the loop 34 extendingthrough the first riser 30, and the other end of the loop 34 extendingthrough the second riser 32. A respective attachment mechanism 36 isincluded at each end of the loop 34 and a head band 38 is included thatattaches to the ends of the loop 34 by attachment mechanisms 36. Thisattachment arrangement allows the head band 38 to be mounted above therisers 30, 32 and allow for movement of the head without interferingwith the risers 30, 32. The head band 38 is mounted to the user's headwith the apparatus 10 mounted to the user, and to allow for differentuser head sizes, the head band 38 can also be adjustable. The head bandcan be adjustable using many different mechanisms, with the embodimentshown using a conventional knob adjustment mechanism as shown. Theapparatus 10 is arranged to exercise the neck without the use of a chinstrap, with can result in greater user comfort during exercising.

The risers according to the present invention can be arranged in manydifferent ways and can have many different shapes and sizes. The risers30, 32 in the apparatus 10 have sections extending at different angles,with the lower portion of the risers 30, 32 extending out from the vest12. The upper portion of the risers extends upward, with the top of therisers 30, 32 located adjacent to the user's head. This arrangementplaces the headband 38 in the proper location adjacent to the user'shead, while still leaving enough room between the user's head and theriser 30, 32 to allow for the desired range of motion during operation.

The apparatus 10 further comprises first and second hand grips 40, 42,each of which is attached to the ends of a second flexible loop 44 thatextend between the hand grips with the loop 44 extending around theuser's back portion 16. The handles can be attached to the second loop44 using many different attachment mechanisms and in some embodiment thelength between the grips 40, 42 can be changed to fit users of differentsizes.

The first and second loops 34, 44 can be made of many differentmaterials that can be flexible and in some embodiments not stretchablealong their length. In one embodiment the first and second loops 34, 44can be made of a flexible cable that is not stretchable along its lengthand in one embodiment they can comprise a coated metal cable similar tothose commonly found in weight lifting machines. In other embodiments,one or both of the loops 34, 44 can comprise a resistance band orsurgical (resistance) tubing. Resistance tubing can provide theadvantage of not imparting instant and full resistance to the head bandwhen the hands are moved. Instead, the tubing provides resistance thatgradually increases as the hands are moved further away from the body.

As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first and second loops 36, 44 areheld together at the back of the partial vest 12 by a coupling 46. Thecoupling 46 can be arranged in many different ways and can have manydifferent shapes and sizes. In the embodiment shown, the coupling 46comprises upper and lower sections 48, 50 that are held together by oneor more resistance bands 52. The first loop 34 is mounted to the uppersection 48 by a first linking member 54 that connects to the uppersection with a space between the two for the first loop to pass. Uppersection wheels 56 can be included on the inside of the linking member54, with the loop riding on the wheels 56. The wheels 56 are capable ofturning during operation to allow for smooth movement of the loop duringoperation. Similarly, the second loop 44 is mounted to the lower section50 by a second linking member 58 that connects to the lower section 50with a space between the two for the second loop 44 to pass. Lowersection wheels 60 can be included on the inside of the linking member 58to allow for smooth movement of the loop 44 during operation. Theresistance bands 52 can comprise many different materials, with oneembodiment comprising surgical tubing. In different embodiments, theresistance bands 52 can be removable and replaceable, which allows forthe use of different resistance bands with different stretchingtensions. In other embodiments, the coupling 46, or the upper and lowersections 48, 50, can be removable and replaceable to allow for theinterchanging of different ones with different sizes or differentresistance bands having different stretching tensions. By usingdifferent resistance bands, different movement forces can be applied tothe head through the headband 38 in response to movement of the handles40, 42.

Lower riser wheels 62 can also be included in the inside lower portionof the risers 30, 32, and upper riser wheels 64 can be included in theinside lower portion of the risers, all of which provide for smooth andreliable movement of the first loop 34 through the risers duringoperation. Likewise, lap wheels 66 can be included on the lap portion 18to provide for smooth and reliable movement of the second loop 44 duringoperation.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 10 can include a number ofadjustments to allow for use by different sized users. It is understoodthat the apparatus 10 can include many additional features beyond thosedescribed above, and the features above can be arranged in differentways. As further described below, different attachments can be includedto provide additional exercise points. For example, in differentembodiments there can be hand grips with flexible extensions (e.g.surgical tubing) that can be attached at different positions on the vest12 to provide resistance points for certain exercises. In one embodimentthat attachment point can be the chest and can provide a resistancepoint for exercising the chest muscles and/or doing neck extensionexercises when the attachment is connected from the chest to the headband 38. Similar connection points can be provided for exercising othermuscles, such as the deltoid or bicep muscles. In other embodiments therisers 30, 32 can have an adjustable height or can be movable along thevest's shoulder line or movable forward or backwards. In still otherembodiments, the risers 30, 32 can be removable.

It is also understood that the first loop 34 can be connected at morethan two points on the head band 38 and can be connected at differentpoints to the head band 38 to allow for different types of exercises.The head band can also be connected to different points to allow fordifferent exercises, such as by having an elastic connection (e.g.surgical tubing) between the side of the head band 38 and the vest 12 toallow for lateral flexion exercises.

The components of the apparatus can be made of many different materials.For example, in the embodiment shown the vest 12 can be made of a rigidmaterial, such as plastic, that is covered by padding and or othermaterials, or combinations of materials to be aesthetically and toprovide comfort to the user. The vest can also be fully or partiallymade of durable flexible material such as nylon fabric or neoprene. Itis also understood that the components can have many different sizes,and in some embodiments the vest can cover a much smaller area of theuser.

Operation of the apparatus 10 is best shown in FIG. 3. The apparatus 10is mounted to the user with the straps 25, 26, 28, and the loop 22 andextension 24 of the lap portion 18 (all shown in FIG. 2) are closed atthe desired position to fit the waist of the user. The user then fitsthe head band 38 to the size of his/her head, and the user grabs thehandles 40, 42. When the apparatus is fully fitted to the user, thecoupling will typically be positioned above the user's waist. It isunderstood, however, that in other applications the coupling can be inother locations.

During operation, the force to the headband 38, and the head, isgenerated when the user pushes the handles 40, 42 out from the body.This in turn results in a downward force on the lower portion 50 of thecoupling 46. The greater the outward pushing force at the handles 40,42, the greater the force that is exerted on the lower portion 50. Asthe user moves his/her head forward (i.e., chin towards chest) the forceof the movement is applied to the upper portion 48 of the coupling,through the headband 38 and loop 34. This head movement causes an upwardforce to be applied to the upper portion 48, which causes the lower andupper portions 50, 48 to separate by stretching of the resistance bands52. This separation, in turn, puts tension on the chosen resistancebands 52, with the tension typically increasing with increasedseparation between the upper and lower sections 48, 50. In someembodiments, the range of forces that can be applied to the user's headduring operation can be between 1 and 30 pounds, but it is understoodthat in other embodiments forces above 30 pounds can also be realized.The force generated by the movements described above can depend ondifferent factors the tension of the resistance bands used and how farthe resistance bands are stretched. As mentioned above, the apparatuscan have interchangeable resistance bands to allow for use of resistancebands that require greater force on the upper and lower portion 48, 50to cause separation. In some embodiments, multiple resistance bands canbe available having differing tensions, such as light, medium light,medium heavy and heavy. These different resistance bands can providedifferent tensions at the same distance of separation between the upperand lower portions 48, 50. For example, when the light and heavyresistance bands are stretched to the same separation distance betweenthe upper and lower portion 48, 50 the light resistance band can produceas little as 3 pounds of force, while the heavy resistance band canproduce as much as 25-30 pounds of force or more.

The use of the desired resistance bands, the movement of the hands toproduce the desired force to the head, and the movement of the headagainst this force provides the desired isometric and isokineticexercising of the neck. This exercising can improve strength andflexibility of the neck and to help alleviate neck pain.

FIGS. 4 through 9 show different features of another embodiment of anisometric and isokinetic exercise apparatus 100 according to the presentinvention that also comprises a partial vest 102 that is shaped to fitover the user's shoulders. The vest 102 can also comprise a frontportion 104 that extends from the shoulders down the front of the user,and a back portion 106 that extends from the shoulders down the back ofthe user. The partial vest also includes a first side extension 108 thatextends from the back portion 106 around left side of the user's waist,and a second side extension 110 that extends from the back portion 106around the right side of the user's waist. A waist strap 112 is mountedto the lower part of the back portion 106, along the first and secondside extensions 108, 110, and around the front side of the user's waistwhere it can be closed to hold the partial vest 102 in place on theuser. Many different closing mechanisms can be used, with suitable onesbeing hooks, snaps, buttons, straps, ties, etc. In the embodiment shown,the closing mechanism comprises a hook and loop arrangement commerciallyknown as Velcro®.

Like the embodiment above, the apparatus 100 further comprises first andsecond side straps 114, 116, each of which extends from the partialvest's front portion 104 to a respective one of the first and secondside extensions 108, 110. A cross strap 28 can be included across theopening in the front portion 104. It is understood that in differentembodiments more or fewer straps can be used, with all or some of thestraps being adjustable or having clips or snaps that allow them toseparate. Similar to the embodiment above, the first and second sidestraps 114, 116 have clips to allow separation and are also adjustableto be shorter or longer. The cross strap 118 is also adjustable. Byhaving adjustable straps, the apparatus can be sized to fit most usersand by having the side straps separable, the apparatus can more easilybe mounted on a user, with the straps then closed and adjusted followingmounting.

The apparatus 100 also comprises first and second risers 120, 122, eachof which is mounted to the vest 102 on a respective one of the vestshoulders on either side of where the user's head would be located whenusing the apparatus 100. A first flexible upper loop 126 extends fromthe first riser 120, down the back of the partial vest 102, and thenback up to the second riser 122. The ends of the loop 126 extend througha respective one of the risers 120, 122 with an attachment mechanism 129at each end of the loop 126. A head band 128 is included that attachesto the end of the loop 126, so that the head band 128 is above therisers 120, 122. To adjust for different user head sizes, the head band128 can also be adjustable such as by using a knob adjustment mechanismas shown.

The apparatus 100 further comprises first and second hand grips 130,132, each of which is attached to the ends of a second flexible loop 134that extend between the hand grips with the middle portion of the secondloop 134 extending partially up the partial vest's back portion 106. Thehandles can be attached to the second loop 134 such that the lengthbetween the grips and the loop ends can be changed to fit users ofdifferent sizes.

The first and second loops 126, 134 can be made of many differentmaterials that can be flexible and stretchable along their length. Inone embodiment the first loop 126 can be made of a flexible cable thatis not stretchable along its length, and the second loop 134 can beflexible and stretchable along its length. In one embodiment the firstloop 126 can comprise a coated metal cable similar to those commonlyfound in weight lifting machines, and the second loop can compriseresistance bands or surgical (resistance) tubing. Resistance tubing canprovide the advantage of not imparting instant and full resistance tothe head band when the hands are moved. Instead, the tubing providesresistance that gradually increases as the hands are moved further awayfrom the body.

As best shown in FIG. 8, the first and second loops 126, 134 are heldtogether at the back of the partial vest 102 by a coupling 136. Thecoupling 136 can be arranged in many different ways and can have manydifferent shapes and sizes. In the embodiment shown, the coupling 136comprises two square shaped plates mounted together by posts, with aspace between the plates for the loops 126, 134 to run through wheel orpulleys. The loops are held in the space between the plates by theposts.

Referring still to FIG. 8, the apparatus 10 can include a back plate 137with the second loop 134 running between the back plate 137 and thepartial vest's back portion 106 to guide the second loop 134 laterallyalong the back portion to the hand grips 130, 132. Wheels, pulleys, orsimilar devices, can be included between the back plate 137 and backportion 106 to allow smooth movement of the second loop 134 whenextending the hand grips 130, 132. In other embodiments, the first andsecond loops 126, 134 can be connected by a cable that runs along a slotin the back portion 106. Like the embodiment above, as the hand grips130, 132 are extended away from the body, the second loop 132 pulls downon the first loop 126, causing a resistance on the head band 128, and asa result the user's neck.

As mentioned above, the apparatus 100 can include a number ofadjustments to allow for use by different sized users. As shown in FIGS.4, 5 and 8, the partial vest can comprise an upper portion 138 and alower portion 140, with the upper portion 138 comprising an upperportion of the front and portions 104, 106 (shown best in FIGS. 4 and5), and the lower portion comprising the lower part of the back portion106 and the first and second lateral extensions 108, 110. Both the upperand lower portions 138, 140 have adjustment holes 142 that align so thata conventional nut and screw or rivet 144 can pass through the alignedholes to mount the upper and lower portions together. By providing aplurality of adjustment holes 142 the lower portion 140 can be mountedto the upper portion 138 at different heights to allow for the lowerportion to adjust to the size of the user. That is, the lower portion140 can be raised or lowered to meet the size of the user.

It is understood that the apparatus 100 can include many additionalfeatures beyond those described above, and the features above canarranged in different ways. In some embodiments, different attachmentscan be included to provide additional exercise points. For example, indifferent embodiments there can be hand grips with flexible extensions(e.g. surgical tubing) that can be attached at different positions onthe vest 102 to provide resistance points for certain exercises. In oneembodiment that attachment point can be the chest and can provide aresistance point for exercising the chest muscles and/or doing neckextension exercises when the attachment is connected from the chest tothe head band 128. Similar connection points can be provided forexercising other muscles.

FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of an apparatus 200 according to thepresent invention with additional handle/resistance attachments 202 thatcan be attached to the attachment points 204 at the lower portion of thevest. The handles 206 can be moved in different directions, with thestretching tension of the resistance bands or tubing providingresistance against the movements. This in turn can exercise differentmuscles depending on the direction of movement, including shoulder,rotator cuff, deltoid, bicep and back muscles.

Referring again to FIGS. 4-9, some embodiments the risers 120, 122 canhave an adjustable height or can be movable along the vest's shoulderline or movable forward or backwards. In still other embodiments, therisers 120, 122 can be removable. It is also understood that the firstloop 126 can be connected at more than two points on the head band 128and can be connected at different points to the head band 128 to allowfor different types of exercises. The head band 128 can also beconnected to different points to allow for different exercises, such asby having an elastic connection (e.g. surgical tubing) between the sideof the head band 128 and the vest 102 to allow for lateral flexionexercises.

Like the embodiment above, the components of the apparatus can be madeof many different materials. For example, in the embodiment shown thevest 102 can made of a white colored plastic, but other materials, orcombinations of materials can also be used having different colors orthe materials can be clear. The vest can also be fully or partially madeof durable flexible material such as nylon fabric or neoprene. It isalso understood that the components can have many different sizes, andin some embodiments the vest can cover a much smaller area of the user.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show another embodiment of isometric and isokinetic neckexercising apparatus 260 according to the present invention having manyof the same features as the apparatus 100 described above, and forsimilar features the same reference numbers will be used herein andsubsequent embodiments with the understanding that the description abovealso applies to this embodiment. The apparatus 260 comprises a differentarrangement for transferring the force created by the user's movement ofthe handles 130, 132 to the user's head. Instead of the handles 130, 132connected to the apparatus 260 by resistance bands or tubing, they areconnected by a non-elastic lower cable 261 that runs along the wastestrap 112 between the handles 130, 132. The apparatus 260 furthercomprises upper and lower sliding couplings (cars) 262, 263, each ofwhich has a slot 264 that allows either a resistance band to be insertedinto the groove of the respective car and positioned around wheels orpulleys attached to cars 262, 263 that facilitate movement (elongation)of the tube or band. As shown, the lower cable 261 is inserted into theslot 264 of the lower car 263 and is positioned and channeled in itscable groove by wheels in car 263. Similarly, the upper loop 126 isinserted in the slot 264 of the upper car 262 and is positioned andchanneled in its cable groove by wheels in car 262. A circularresistance band or tubing 265 runs between the upper and lower cars 262,263 with the resistance band or tubing 265 being mounted to each of thecars 262, 263 by passing the resistance band 265 through each slot 264.More specifically, the resistance band 265 can be positioned within eachslot 264 around two wheels in each of the cars 62, 63, allowing, asdescribed immediately below, opposing forces to be generated whenopposite forces are applied by the hands to car 262 and the head to car263.

Like the apparatus 10 described above and shown in FIGS. 103, as theuser moves the handles 130, 132 outward away from the user's body, thelower cable 261 pulls the lower car 263 down. This in turn causes adownward pulling force on the resistance band 265 that is transferred tothe upper car 262. This causes the upper car to move down, therebyproviding a moving force that is transferred by the loop 126, throughthe risers 120, 122 to the user's head. As the user pushes outincrementally with the hand grips, the force to the head is graduallyincreased as the resistance band is stretched by movement of upper andlower cars 262, 263.

This embodiment provides the advantage of increased flexibility in thetype and elasticity strength of the resistance band used in theapparatus 260. The band can be easily removed from the cars 262, 263 bysliding the band out of the slot 264. Different bands can then bemounted to the cars 262, 263 by sliding the desired band through theslots 264 in the cars 262, 263. This allows for the apparatus to have apulling force that is customized for the particular user. The cars 262,263 can also be mirror images of each other, which can provide theadvantage of decreased manufacturing costs by only needing onefabrication device or tool (e.g. injection mold) to produce the cars. Itis understood, however, that other embodiments of apparatus according tothe present invention can have upper and lower cars that do not mirroreach other.

FIGS. 13 through 17 show another embodiment and an isometric andisokinetic neck exercising apparatus 270 according to the presentinvention having many of the same features as the apparatus 10 and 260described above. In this embodiment, instead of having a upper loop anda lower loop, left and right cables 272, 274 are provided with the leftcable 272 running from the left side of the head band 128, along theleft side of the back portion 106 of the vest 102 and is connected tothe first hand grip 130. Similarly, the right cable 274 runs from theright side of the head band 128, along the right side of the backportion 106, and is connected to the second hand grip 132. In thisembodiment the right and left cables 272, 274 can run under the outsideshell of the back portion 106 such that they are substantially hidden,with smooth movement of the cable provided by a series of wheels orpulleys that can also be under the outside shell. In this embodiment,the left and right cables 272, 274 can be moved simultaneously orindependently to provide forward flexion, rotation, left lateral andright lateral flexion exercises.

The apparatus 270 also does not have risers on the shoulders of itspartial vest 102, but instead has left and right eyelets 276, 278 thatcan be movable along the shoulder to the vest 102 to provide differentangles of resistance for the right and left cables 272, 274. Referringnow to FIG. 17, the apparatus can also include hand grips 130, 132 thatare attached to an adjustable length 280 of flexible material such asconventional nylon webbing. In other embodiments, the adjustable lengthcan comprise an elastic band or surgical tubing as described above thatprovides increasing resistance as the hands are moved away from theuser's body. A separate hand grip and extension 282 can be provided thatis arranged to be connected to the vest 102 to allow exercise of othermuscles. The grip and extension 282 is particularly adapted forconnection to connection point 284 to allow for exercise of the deltoidmuscles. As mentioned above, different connection points can be providedto allow for exercise of other muscles using the grip and extension 282.

FIGS. 18 through 20 show still another embodiment of a neck isometricexercise device 300 according to the present invention also comprising apartial vest 102. In this embodiment, however, there are no useroperable hand grips that control the resistance to the head band 128.Instead, a plurality of air or hydraulic cylinders 302 a-d are includedthat are mounted between the head band 128 and the partial vest 102 withthe user moving the head band 128 against the compression pressure ofthe cylinders 302 a-d to exercise the neck muscles. The compressionpressure of the cylinders 302 a-d can be controlled in different ways,and in one air cylinder embodiment the pressure can be controlled by theuse of a hand pump that can be connected to all cylinders 302 a-d sothat they maintain the same compression pressure. The user can gothrough different exercise routines with the cylinders pressurized atdifferent levels to provide different levels of exercise resistance.

In other embodiments, the cylinder compression pressure can beelectronically controlled using conventional electronic control circuitsand software. In one embodiment, the electron controls can be providedwith a user readable display that shows the pressure in the cylinders302 a-d, and in some embodiment the electronic controller can behand-held. This arrangement allows for the user to provide differentlevels of resistance pressure by using the electronic controller toadjust the cylinder compression pressure in each cylinder differently orwith the same pressure in all cylinders. With different pressures ineach, the apparatus 100 can be used for different exercise neckmovements. The controller can allow the user to manually control thepressure in each or can allow the cylinder pressure to go through apreprogrammed routine. The controller can also include a display showingthe level of isometric movement for the neck as well as which movementor pressure will be coming next.

The pressure in the cylinders need not be preprogrammed, but may bemanually set using the pump or electronic controller to meet thetolerance or desire of the user. The cylinders 302 a-d can be connectedbetween the head band 128 and vest using many different known connectionmechanisms. In one embodiment, they can be connected through ball andsocket joints that can provide for greater range of motion through theisometric exercises.

The embodiments above are generally described with providing isometricand isokinetic neck exercising the muscles in the front (or side)portion of the neck. It is understood, however, that the differentembodiments can be provided with different features or attachments thatalso exercise the muscles in back of the neck. These additional featuresand attachments can be provided while still allowing the apparatus toremain lightweight, portable, and easy to use. FIGS. 21 and 22 show oneembodiment of an attachment 320 that can be used with embodiments of thepresent invention having risers as described above. It can be made of amaterial that holds its shape yet can be compressed in response to apushing force. The material should also return to its original shapeonce the pushing force is removed. The attachment can be made of manydifferent materials such as commercially available foam.

The attachment 320 can have many different shapes and sizes and in theembodiment shown it is generally cube shaped and comprises channels 322on opposite sides. The channels 322 are sized and arranged so that thatthe attachment can fit between the risers 324, 326 (described in theembodiments above) with the risers 324, 326 in the channels 322. Theuser can then extend his/her head back to compress the attachment 322,with the force necessary to cause compression providing the desiredexercise resistance for the muscles in the back of the neck. It isunderstood that different attachments can be provided that are made ofdifferent materials requiring different forces for compression. Thisallows for different attachments to be used when different exercisingresistance is desired. It is also understood that many differentattachments or feature can be used beyond the embodiment shown,including but not limited to different strap, spring, or pulleyarrangements that in some embodiments can also be operated by movementof the hands.

The embodiments above have been described as being lightweight andportable. In different embodiments portions of the apparatus can befolded to reduce its size thereby making it easier to pack. It isunderstood that the present invention is equally applicable toarrangements that are not designed to be lightweight and portable. FIG.23 shows another embodiment of an apparatus 400 according to the presentinvention that has many of the same features as the embodimentsdescribed above. In this embodiment, however, the apparatus is part of abench or chair 402 that is similar to exercise benches or chairs thatcan be found in a gym, chiropractors office or physical therapy office.The apparatus 400 is operated in much the same way as the embodimentsabove, but instead of being provided as a vest that is fitted to theuser, the user sits on the bench. The headband 404 is fitted to the userand the user manipulates the handles 406, 408 as described above toprovide the desired neck exercise. It is understood that the apparatuscan be provided as a retrofit to existing benches or chairs or can beprovided as its own stand-alone machine.

Although the present invention has been described in detail withreference to certain preferred configurations thereof, other versionsare possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the invention shouldnot be limited to the versions described above.

1. An isometric and isokinetic neck exercising apparatus, comprising: anattachment mechanism for attaching to a user's head; actuatingmechanisms that allow the user to provide a movement force to theapparatus, wherein the movement force is transferred to said attachmentmechanism, wherein said apparatus is arranged such that movement of theactuating mechanisms in one direction causes movement of the attachmentmechanism in a different direction.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1,mountable to the upper body of a user and wherein said actuatingmechanisms comprise one or two handles that can be actuated by one orboth hands.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said handles can bemoved away from the front of the user's body to provide a force to theattachment mechanism toward the back of the user's body.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 2, wherein the movement of said handles causesmovement of the attachment mechanism through one or more cables.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 2, wherein the movement of handles causes movement ofthe attachment mechanism through one or more cables running along theback of the user.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising one or morerisers.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising one or more resistancebands between said handles and said attachment mechanism.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 7, wherein the movement force applied to saidattachment mechanism is at least partially dependent upon the stretchingtension of said resistance bands.
 9. The apparatus of claim 7, whereinmovement of the actuating mechanisms or said attachment mechanism canstretch said resistance bands.
 10. The apparatus of claim 7, whereinsaid resistance bands are removable and replaceable to allow for the useof resistance bands having different stretching tensions.
 11. Theapparatus of claim 1, comprising a vest mountable to a user, said vesthaving adjustment points to fit the size of the user.
 12. The apparatusof claim 1, having points that allow for connection of exerciseattachments.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising an exerciseattachment that allows for isometric and isokinetic neck exercisingforce in a direction opposite the force provided by said actuatingmechanisms.
 14. A portable isometric and isokinetic neck exercisingapparatus, comprising: a means for mounting to the upper body of a user;an attachment mechanism attached to said means for mounting, saidattachment mechanism capable of being mounted to the user's head;handles attached to said means for mounting, said handles arranged forgrasping by the user, said apparatus arranged such that movement of thehandles causes a movement force to said attachment mechanism, whereinsaid head mechanism is moveable against the force of said handles toprovide said isometric and isokinetic neck exercise.
 15. The apparatusof claim 14, wherein said means for mounting comprises a partial vest.16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said handles can be moved awayfrom the front of the user's body to provide a force to the attachmentmechanism toward the back of the user's body.
 17. The apparatus of claim14, wherein the movement of said handles causes movement of theattachment mechanism through one or more cables.
 18. The apparatus ofclaim 14, wherein the movement of handles causes movement of theattachment mechanism through one or more cables running along the backof the user.
 19. The apparatus of claim 14, comprising one or morerisers, the movement force of said handles transferred to saidattachment mechanism through said risers.
 20. The apparatus of claim 14,comprising one or more resistance bands between said handles and saidattachment mechanism.
 21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein themovement force applied to said attachment mechanism is at leastpartially dependent upon the stretching tension of said resistancebands.
 22. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein said resistance bands areremovable and replaceable to allow for the use of resistance bandshaving different stretching tensions.
 23. The apparatus of claim 14,having points that allow for connection of exercise attachments.
 24. Amethod for providing isometric and isokinetic neck exercise, comprising:providing a movement force from a user's hands in a first direction;transferring said hand movement force to the user's head in a seconddirection that is different from said first direction, said seconddirection force providing said isometric and isokinetic neck exerciseforce to the user's head.
 25. The method of claim 24, wherein said firstdirection is opposite said second direction.
 26. The method of claim 24,wherein said first direction is away from the front of the user's body,wherein said second direction is toward the back of the user.
 27. Themethod of claim 24, comprising the further step of providing movement ofthe user's head against said hand force transferred to the users' head.